Are you looking for a great place to adventure with your family the next time you stay with us in Gulf Shores, AL? If so, consider spending a day at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge! Bon Secour means "safe harbor" in French. This name is appropriate for the 7,000 acre wildlife habitat that hosts a wide variety of migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse.
In addition, the refuge features an array of family-friendly activities that will keep boredom at bay for even the most finicky visitors in your group. We know that finding something to do that pleases everyone can be challenge, but the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge truly has something for everyone!
Find out more about all the fun thing you can do in Gulf Shores, AL, with your friends and family by requesting a copy of our free Vacation Guide. It's full of the best recommendations for things to see and do like visiting the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
4 Family Activities at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Featuring beach dunes, wetlands, and pine-oak maritime forests, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is one of the last remaining undisturbed coastal barrier habitats in Alabama. Because of this, the refuge is a pristine example of the area's most scenic landscape and serves as a fantastic destination for wildlife and ecological education.
However, it's also a great place to go to spend a day outdoors. Here are just a few of the many great activities and things to do at the refuge:
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Take a hike. The refuge features four hiking trails that cover a range of habitats to discover. Before setting out, stop by the welcome office and pick up a Discovery Pack. This free kit provides visitors with a Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge map and everything you need for an educational self-guided tour.
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Discover the Wildlife. The refuge is home to over 360 species of birds and several threatened and endangered species of animals. While visiting the area, tread lightly and you just might come across the creatures who call this place home.
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Go Fishing. Children and adults of all ages can enjoy Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge fishing. With a valid Alabama saltwater fishing license, you and your family can cast a line on the beach, at Little Lagoon, or on Gator Lake.
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Explore on the Water. Spending an afternoon on the water is another fun way to experience the wildlife refuge. Whether you bring your own, or rent your gear in Gulf Shores, you can launch a canoe or kayak on Gator Lake or from the Jeff Friend Trail kayak launch site at Little Lagoon. In addition, Gator Lake can also be used for boating with electric trolling motors.
Let Us Help You Plan a Vacation to Scenic Gulf Shores, AL!
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is just one fantastic place to spend a day outdoors with your family. You can also discover Gulf Shore's most stunning landscapes at the Gulf State Park and a wide variety of other scenic Gulf Shores points of interest.
But, no matter where you go, ensure you return to a home-away-from-home that is just as beautiful as the outdoor areas you explore! With a luxury oceanfront vacation rental or a beach house on Little Lagoon, you can enjoy stunning scenery right outside your window. Our Gulf Shores vacation rentals range from 4 bedroom beach bungalows to 12 bedroom family-reunion or group retreat houses.
We offer homes with private pools, elevator access, modern kitchens, spacious living rooms, and high-end furnishings. Additionally, our homes come fully-stocked with everything you need for a stress-free vacation. This includes kitchen essentials, beach day gear and toys, and more!
Learn more about our vacation rental homes today. Then, start planning your next Gulf Shores beach vacation with us! We'd love to help you in any way we can!
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Photo credit: Getty Images / Andrea Izzotti